Car thief takes toddler for a ride and crashes into tree in Mildura
A two-year-old girl has been taken for a terrifying ride in the back a stolen car, which then smashed into a tree in Mildura.
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A car with a toddler in the back seat was stolen and then smashed into a tree in a frightening incident in Mildura tonight.
Police said the two-year-old girl was still inside the car when it crashed, but was not injured.
A Mildura woman in her mid-30s accused of stealing the car was arrested as she allegedly attempted to break into a nearby house following the crash.
Police said the drama unfolded about 6.30pm when they received reports of a black Holden Captiva stolen from the drive-through section of a bottle shop in Deakin Ave, in the northwest Victorian town.
The car was located about 20 minutes later on Cureton Ave after it struck a tree.
The child was treated at the scene by paramedics. She was then reunited with her family.
Bottle-O staff member Brodie Venables said the parents had left the car unattended for less than one minute as they went to the counter to pay.
Mr Venables said when the couple turned around and saw the car speed off they “went into a panic”.
“They were horrified. They were absolutely beside themselves, they ran outside and were looking down the street to see where the car went,” he said.
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Mr Venables said he saw a woman wander in off the street and go straight over to the car before fleeing.
“She initially opened up the passenger door, had a bit of a geeze and realised the car was empty then walked around and got in the driver’s seat.”
The Mildura woman was taken to hospital where she remains under police guard.
Anyone who saw a black Holden Captiva in the area is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.